Abstract
Introduction: The Welsh Government has identified that to enable growth of the food and drink sector in Wales there is a need to support food and drink manufacturing businesses to proactively maintain food-safety scheme compliance. Internal audits (IA) are an essential tool for business to identify issues and focus on areas for continuous improvement. In businesses, implementation and application of IA can be inconsistent and reactive, leading to food safety nonconformities being raised in the businesses which could have been prevented.
Purpose: To determine the operational and implementation profile of IA systems in businesses in relation to their level of food safety compliance and level of proactivity.
Methods: A multiple-method approach included: desk-based research to determine Food Safety Scheme standard requirements, in-depth one-to-one interviews with food manufacturing businesses (n=10) of varying size and discipline, and a focus group with qualified scheme auditors (n=8).
Results: The study determined 80% of the businesses were certificated to a third-party food safety standard. However, only 40% of the businesses operated a multidisciplinary approach to the management of the IA system. Only 50% of the businesses IA team members held an externally recognized qualification. Concernedly, 20% of the businesses identified fewer non-conformances than external auditors. Only 40% of the IA team members were Root Cause Analysis trained which links to the lack of closure of corrective actions.
Significance: The operating profile of IA systems is variable. Its effectiveness is dependent upon multiple factors such as auditor independence, skills, capability, and resource. Findings have informed the development of support mechanisms to improve management commitment, food safety compliance and proactivity through the development and delivery of effective training and operational management. A series of bespoke workshops have been delivered to improve the effectiveness and impact of IA outcomes on food safety.
Purpose: To determine the operational and implementation profile of IA systems in businesses in relation to their level of food safety compliance and level of proactivity.
Methods: A multiple-method approach included: desk-based research to determine Food Safety Scheme standard requirements, in-depth one-to-one interviews with food manufacturing businesses (n=10) of varying size and discipline, and a focus group with qualified scheme auditors (n=8).
Results: The study determined 80% of the businesses were certificated to a third-party food safety standard. However, only 40% of the businesses operated a multidisciplinary approach to the management of the IA system. Only 50% of the businesses IA team members held an externally recognized qualification. Concernedly, 20% of the businesses identified fewer non-conformances than external auditors. Only 40% of the IA team members were Root Cause Analysis trained which links to the lack of closure of corrective actions.
Significance: The operating profile of IA systems is variable. Its effectiveness is dependent upon multiple factors such as auditor independence, skills, capability, and resource. Findings have informed the development of support mechanisms to improve management commitment, food safety compliance and proactivity through the development and delivery of effective training and operational management. A series of bespoke workshops have been delivered to improve the effectiveness and impact of IA outcomes on food safety.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 15 Jul 2024 |
| Event | International Association for Food Protection: 2024 Annual Meeting - Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, United States Duration: 14 Jul 2024 → 17 Jul 2024 https://www.foodprotection.org/annualmeeting/ |
Conference
| Conference | International Association for Food Protection |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | IAFP |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Long Beach |
| Period | 14/07/24 → 17/07/24 |
| Internet address |